APC Primaries: Stakeholders Warn Against Imposition in Ondo’s Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency

Stakeholders have warned against alleged moves to impose a candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed reports that Hon. Mathew Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, who had previously pursued the Ondo South Senatorial ticket, is now being considered for the House of Representatives race after failing to secure momentum for the Senate bid.

However, APC stakeholders across Odigbo, Ile-Oluji, and Oke-Igbo, led by Famakinwa Gbolahan and youth leader Akinlaja Oluwaseun, have rejected the development, insisting that the Green Chamber seat should not be treated as a political compensation package.

They warned that any attempt to impose a candidate under the guise of consensus could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its chances in the general election.

The APC has fixed Saturday for House of Representatives primaries across the country.

The stakeholders, in a statement, said the constituency deserves a representative with genuine commitment and long-standing engagement with the people, rather than what they described as “last-minute political redeployment.”

Meanwhile, support has continued to grow for Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, whose campaign many party faithful described as grassroots-driven and consultative.

The stakeholders said her engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders, ward executives, and community influencers across the constituency has strengthened confidence in her candidacy.